Page 33 of In Scandal with the Duke
Being with Elizabeth felt distinctly different. It had been a long time since he had engaged in genuine conversation with a lady who didn’t gaze at him with avarice or shower him with compliments solely to gain favor with him. Even with the few lovers he’d had over the years, their connection had always been transactional.
James stared down at her face, which was soft and lovely and still flushed. It was refreshing to interact with someone who did not give a damn about his title, someone whose passion was earnest and who was simply, undeniably charming.
“You want me again,” she murmured sleepily.
Hell. It was then James realized his cock had grown hard. He glanced down at his lover. Her eyes were half closed, her breasts rising and falling in rapid rhythm. He forced himself to silently count to ten, then twenty, to cool the fire in his blood. How could he want her again after the madness of what just happened in the garden?
“You are too sore for any more tupping.”
Her mouth curved into a small smile, the gesture gentle and content, yet her eyes remained serenely closed as she curled into his arms.
“I want you fit and ready for tomorrow’s adventure,” James murmured.
At the mention of an adventure, her eyes flickered open, and the lingering traces of sleepiness instantly vanished, replaced by a spark of curiosity. “Adventure?” she echoed, sitting up slightly.
“Hmm. A night out at Vauxhall Gardens.”
“I have not been there,” she responded, her interest clearly piqued.
“Good. Do you have any prior engagements?”
Elizabeth smiled. “My aunt accepted an invitation to Lady Chamberlain’s ball. I will wait until my aunt and mother are dressed and plead a headache.”
“Will that be believable?” James inquired, lifting his brow.
“My father always said I am a worthy actress who could grace the stage,” she replied smugly. “He only stopped saying so after my mother heard the joke once and fainted.”
James chuckled, amused by the vivid picture she painted. “You will have to be in disguise. You could dress as a lady. I will procure a dress, a face mask, and a wig. Or you could be attired as a gentleman.”
“Truly? As a gentleman?”
“Yes.”
“I have never dressed as a lad before,” she said, the idea seeming to both amuse and excite her.
“Then I will procure clothes to fit a gentleman.”
“With such short notice?” she questioned, a touch of skepticism in her tone.
“I am the Duke of Basil,” he said with a tilt of his head.
“How astonishing that I never knew arrogance could be presented so charmingly. You have broadened my horizon this night.”
James brushed a tendril from her cheek, lowering to brush his mouth against her forehead. “I can lay the world at your feet should you wish it.”
Her eyes widened, and his damn heart lurched at the naked longing on her face. James was tempted to ask, but she lowered her lashes, hiding from his stare. He frowned, realizing only a week ago, she’d planned to secure a husband for the season. That hope had been broken, and now she was in a carriage after a thorough ravishment with a man who would not promise her anything beyond their night of passion. James’s heart lurched, and he was assailed with an emotion that was unknown to him.
“Elizabeth—”
“If you say something to make me cry, I will have my revenge,” she murmured, her voice cracking.
“I would never want to hurt you.”
“You do not have the power to. I am here with you because it is whatIwant.”
“Good,” James said, unable to understand the piercing disquiet in his gut.
Why the hell am I so different when I am with you, Elizabeth?
